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CMTA Champion Parallax keeps trailblazing

One of CMTA's recently recognized Champions of Manufacturing, Parallax, out of Rocklin, California did something almost unheard of this week in the industry. They opened up their source code design for their leading edge micro-controller so the rest of the world could benefit from their innovation.

Parallax made a splash and released their design at the world renowned DEFCON conference in Las Vegas.

“There’s a trend toward open source," Parallax CEO Ken Gracey told a Sacramento Bee reporter in an interview just before the convention started. “You’ve seen it in software. It’s also true in hardware. People right now want to buy things they can see into, and where they feel there’s no hidden intellectual property."

You can read more here in the Sacramento Bee. CMTA is proud to have recognized Parallax in June for its innovation and commitment to its California workers. Congratulations, Parallax. Again!

CA Champions of Manufacturing videos now available for syndication

Last month, CMTA launched its new Champions of Manufacturing program to put the spotlight on innovative California companies and their talented employees.

CMTA recognized its first seven Champion companies at an inaugural Summit in Sacramento. Each companies' efficient operations, innovative products and loyal employees showcase why manufacturing growth is so important to Californias future.

The videos of the companies, leadership and employee speeches and introductions by host Adam Carolla can be seen at the new Championswebpage. You can access each company's video specifically at the links below. You can also syndicate the video using the tools attached to each video.

What it means to be a Champion:

Manufacturing Champion Companies
The Champions recognition program honors positive contributions by manufacturing companies who are committed to California and exemplify the high principles of economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to their employees. CMTA plans to honor at least five "Champions of Manufacturing” companies each year. We want to demonstrate how California manufacturers make a positive impact on their industry sector, their employees and their communities. If a company is interested in applying to be recognized they must be nominated through their local economic development group or their local industrial group.

Manufacturing Champion Partners
We have assembled a growing statewide network of Manufacturing Champion partners to help spread our message. Our partners include regional manufacturing associations, local economic development agencies, cities, counties, institutions of higher education and workforce training organizations. We will actively work with our partners to seek out and distribute videos and stories featuring positive messages about California manufacturers and their workers.

Manufacturing Champions Individuals
We are building a statewide army of Manufacturing Champions to join us in the belief that a brighter future for California depends on healthy, growing manufacturing companies. A Manufacturing Champion can be anyone: small, medium and large manufacturers; manufacturing workers and their families; company executives; suppliers; concerned citizens; government officials; and students.

If you want California manufacturers to make multi-million dollar investments in California and hire thousands of workers to create innovative and exciting new products, then you are a Champion of Manufacturing.

If you want students and parents to learn about the tremendous opportunities for exciting careers in manufacturing, research & development, industrial arts, and skilled technical work, then you are a Champion of Manufacturing.

If you want California to lead America’s Manufacturing Renaissance with homegrown California manufacturers who combine innovation, energy efficiency, productivity, sustainability and high-wage middle class jobs, then you are an individual Champion of Manufacturing. Sign up in the red box in the upper right corner of CMTA.net for alert and champs updates, and tell your manufacturing friends!